Stocking a Pet First Aid Kit

National Poison Prevention Week is March 16 – 22, 2014, and while much of the focus is on educating parents of small children, Pet Poison Helpline says to remember that pets can be just as vulnerable! Dogs and cats have insatiable curiosity and tend to get into trouble investigating new things by licking or tasting them. This is because some foods, medications and other household items that are safe for humans can be devastating to pets. The veterinary and toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline offer two important tips for keeping pets safe:

1) Keep Dangerous Items out of Reach

Most homes have hidden dangers in medicine cabinets, purses, kitchens and garages. Pet owners should familiarize themselves with things poisonous to dogs and cats, and keep them stowed out of reach. The best resource for information, including a comprehensive list items dangerous to pets, is Pet Poison Helpline’s website and mobile app.

2) Stock a Pet First Aid Kit

In the event of an unfortunate mishap, a properly stocked Pet First Aid Kit can contribute to a much happier ending. Here are recommended contents:

For Potentially Poisoned Pets:

Phone number for Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680

Hydrogen peroxide 3 percent used to induce vomiting in dogs– make sure it’s not expired

Teaspoon/tablespoon set – for measuring appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide

Liquid hand dish washing detergent, such as Dawn or Palmolive

Rubber or latex gloves

Triple antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin™

Vitamin E (a small container of oil or several gel caps)

Diphenhydramine tablets 25mg – with NO other combination ingredients

Ophthalmic saline solution or artificial tears

Can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food

Sweet electrolyte-containing beverage

Corn syrup (1/4 cup)

Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)

For Injured Pets:

Phone number for local emergency veterinary hospital

Gauze roll and pads

Medical tape

Ruler or other rigid material for splint

Scissors and tweezers

Thermometer and sterile lubricant, like KY™ jelly

Rubber or latex gloves

Towel or blanket

Muzzle (for dogs)

Cone collar (for cats)

Triple antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin™

Ophthalmic saline solution – make sure it doesn’t contain any cleaners or soaps

Store the items in a plastic or other waterproof container, and in a location out of the reach of pets. Especially when poisoning is suspected, it’s imperative to call Pet Poison Helpline or your veterinarian prior to administering any therapies at home. They will first help you determine if the item ingested was poisonous to begin with, and will then advise what the treatment or antidote is and whether or not inducing vomiting is recommended.

“It’s really important to be wary of ‘home remedies’ found on the Internet when treating a potentially poisoned pet,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. “We hear it all – pet owners who, after Googling their situation, hope to resolve it by giving the pet milk, burnt toast, raw eggs, peanut butter, or table salt. These remedies simply don’t work and can cause additional undue stress for the pet and owner.”

The Case of Penny

Pet poisonings usually happen when least expected, and are often caused by seemingly harmless events. Earlier this year, Penny, a three year-old, 13 pound, Jack Russell terrier consumed 10-12 children’s gummy multivitamins. Within hours, Penny started vomiting, became unsteady on her feet, and collapsed at home. She was then rushed to the veterinarian. After her initial examination, she was found to have very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). While she improved a little after starting her on IV sugar source (dextrose), the veterinarian ended up calling Pet Poison Helpline for further treatment advice. It was found that the vitamins Penny consumed contained an extraordinarily large amount of xylitol, a common sweetener ingredient that can be poisonous to dogs. Penny had ingested enough to cause fatality. The following day, Penny began to develop liver problems but, thankfully, after two days of intensive treatment, her liver began to recover and she was eventually released from the hospital in excellent condition. In this case, the pet owner could have given Penny 1/4 cup of corn syrup from a Pet First Aid Kit to help raise her blood sugar while being transported to the pet hospital.

Accidents can and do happen, but outcomes are much better when pet owners are prepared. When adverse situations arise, don’t hesitate to call a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.

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Who we are...

Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour animal poison control service available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. We have the ability to help every poisoned pet, with all types of poisonings, 24 hours a day. Our knowledge and expertise of pet poisons will put your mind at ease when dealing with a potential emergency.

In order to provide this critical service, please be advised that there is a $59 per incident fee, payable by credit card. This fee covers the initial consultation as well as all follow-up calls associated with the management of the case.